Philips Shows Off OLED Solar Car That Lets Light In

After giving up on TVs in Australia Philips is now planning to put see through solar panels in cars that also deliver a light source.

Philips, who are partnering with chemical giant BASF, is set to show off new solar-powered OLED panels that illuminate the vehicle interior when the door is opened or a button pressed.

When switched off they allow for a clear view outside which may be a problem in Australia where we get more warm weather and bright sunshine than Europe where the technology was developed. Dr. Dietrich Bertram, General Manager of OLED Lighting at Philips, added:'This project provides impressive evidence of new possibilities with OLEDs and illustrates the potential of Philips' Lumiblade OLED technology to help create innovative lighting applications that enhance people's lives".

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Philips recently invested in a new OLED production line, which the company claims could bring the cost of panels to as low as $15 a panel.

The new screen sandwiches hi-tech materials to let the OLED panels work as a light when the car is dark - and charge themselves using solar cells sandwiched into the glass.

According to a combined press release 'This combination allows the driver to enjoy a unique open-space feeling while it generates electricity during the day and pleasantly suffuses the interior with the warm light of the transparent, highly efficient OLEDs at night," said Dr. Felix GÃ¶rth, head of OLED at BASF.

BASF have collaborated with Philips for five years on the panels, which work as lights, solar chargers and windows.